Hearts v Saints Preview

It's not going to be as easy as it would have been a few days ago, as Hearts' useless Lithuanian keeper Eduardas Kurskis is suspended after amusingly being sent off for two bookings on Saturday. Kurskis and the Hearts defence have been in generous mood in recent weeks, giftwrapping three points to a variety of different teams in a number of amusing ways. However, the fact Kurskis is missing will make things harder. The obvious choice to replace him is Steve Banks, but Anthony Basso is another option and has had the odd shaky moment. Regardless of who they have had in goals, Hearts have failed to keep a clean sheet at home all season - but such is our lack of attacking threat you can see that stat coming to an end on Wednesday.

Our strikeforce was boosted on Saturday with the return of Craig Dargo, but his lack of fitness makes it unlikely he'll start again so soon. Chances are he won't feature in the first 11 again until we play Gretna next week - a crucial match considering the way things are going. If Dargo does indeed drop out for the trip to Tynecastle, Saints boss Gus MacPherson may decide to revert to a single striker - Billy Mehmet the obvious option. However, Stewart Kean's record against Hearts and he could start as well.

After his best performance in a Saints shirt against Kilmarnock, it would be a shame if Alex Burke was to be dropped straight away - but there's a very good chance that could happen if we revert to defensive mode. Hugh Murray is free from suspension (before missing the next two games) and could slot straight back in, while other options include Stephen McGinn and Craig Molloy. After getting injured against Killie, David Barron is unlikely to keep his place and we'll probably revert to a more conventional back four, with Franco Miranda hopefully getting a recall. Will Haining, Stephen O'Donnell - who scored at Tynecastle last season - and Richard Brittain are all out with suspension.

Hearts are on a poor run of form at the moment and their management team - whoever is in charge this week - will be desperate for January to come around so he can bring in another load of random eastern Europeans that no one has heard of. Last season Hearts didn't beat us, but they already have done this season at Love Street. There was a 20 minute spell in that game during which Hearts had no Lithuanians on the pitch for about two years - possibly a suggestion they should try it less often!

There will be Lithuanians playing tomorrow and I reckon Hearts will come out on top by a couple of goals, getting their first clean sheet of the season at home to boot.